Gardeners’ Forum: “Indoor Plant lighting”
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Posted by Carla on Monday, August 27, 2001 11:30 am ADTI am trying to start some house plants indoors from seed, and eventually start some annuals from seed for next summer. I have tried a 15 Watt flourescent fixture, but the couple annuals (marigold and zinnia) that I've tried seem to be tall and spindly. Does anyone know what sort of light intensity I would require in order to start annuals indoors succusfully. I recently purchased the GE Grow and Show light fixture which is 33 Watts, and I'm going to try that. Carla
re: Indoor Plant lighting
Posted by Howard Harvey on Tuesday, September 4, 2001 12:09 am ADTThe four foot light tube should be fine for seed starting. I use a warm white and a cool white in a two-tube fixture to save money. A full spectrum tube is absolutely the best for flower starting but these cost about $ 7.50 a tube. The main point is to have the fixture height- adjustable, like on long chains so you can adjust the fixture to just above the seedlings - as close as possible to the growth for the best of close lighting.This way is your best way to have short, strong plants. Good luck !!
re: Indoor Plant lighting
Posted by Carla on Thursday, September 13, 2001 2:46 pm ADTI have bought a 4ft shop light fixture, and I have one Gro-Lux wide spectrum bulb and one warm (Kitchen and Bathroom) bulb. I've started a number of seeds under the lights, so I guess I'll just wait and see how it turns out. What kind of fertilizer do you use once your seedlings are growing?
re: Indoor Plant lighting
Posted by Sunny on Monday, October 1, 2001 12:51 am ADTI have grown all types of plants under 4ft florscent lighting. Situate the lights so they are about 4 inches above the plants. Your problem may not be the lighting, but the temperature may be too warm, try to keep the temp. around 60 - 70 F. There has to be a proper balance between light and heat for the plants to grow properly. I find a little on the cool side is better that too warm.Also to get good stocky plants you need enough humidity. Try placeing buckets full of water in between the rows of plants or use a humidifier. I purchases an older model humidifier from a second hand store and place my seed trays around it. If you are putting plastic over the tray to keep the seeds moist until they begin to come up be sure to remove it at the first sign of green plants emerging. I usually use a very weak fish fertilzer or bat guanno also seed weed, but just make sure it is deluted to at least half strength. I had a lot of failures when I first started growing, especially perennials from seeds, but I have just kept at in and the last couple of years I have had very good luck. If you have anymore questions ask, if I know I will tell you. Good luck Sunny
